A QB controversy a-brewin’

The football gods smiled on Matt McGloin tonight. Right now, as I look down at an empty Beaver Stadium, the wind is really whipping. If that happened during the game, I’m not certain the passing game would have been as predominantly featured as it was tonight.

Anyway, none of that matters. Matt went 17 for 28, threw for 250 yards, completed a touchdown pass to Graham Zug and ran for a score himself. He turned the ball over exactly zero times in a game that might have turned Penn State’s season around.

Jay Paterno summed up his performance in one word: “Phenomenal.”

But was it good enough to keep McGloin under center going forward?

I actually think he should. Granted, you don’t bench Terry Bradshaw because Terry Hanratty has a hot hand. But my theory on this one has stayed pretty consistent over the years: When the backup is clearly giving you something the starter didn’t — and McGloin has brought a ton of energy to the offense — ride it out.

If McGloin starts against Northwestern and struggles, you put Bolden in. No harm, no foul.

But if you start Bolden against Northwestern and he struggles…big problem.

Here’s what some of the people I talked to after the game had to say:

Matt McGloin: “It’s not really my decision. I’ve been the backup the past six weeks. If they say, ‘Matt, we’re going to start Rob again,” I’ll just have to go back and do my job.”

Jay Paterno: “No (controversy). It’s Rob Bolden. Rob’s the starter. But the great thing is, we’ve got two guys we know can go into a big game and play well.”

Joe Paterno: “I’m not going to answer (the question). I haven’t got the slightest idea.”

Jay Paterno was the only person insisting Bolden was going to resume the starting duties. (Several players I asked said they neither knew what was going to happen or wanted to comment on who they thought should be under center.) But even Jay hedged when asked whether Bolden would have a short leash if he is the starter.

“You’re getting ahead of us on that one,” he said.

My guess: They’ll go back to Bolden with a very short leash. But we’ll see. McGloin has done his job here, no matter what.

Want bone-crunching hits and breathtaking plays? You've come to the wrong place. Want in depth analysis and breaking news on Penn State football and, occasionally, the rest of the sports world? That, we can help you with. Scranton Times-Tribune columnist and Penn State beat writer Donnie Collins promises to check in with all the breaking news and commentary on the Nittany Lions regularly. So drop by often, on game day or any day, to stay in the know.